Return to Ancient Method of Bartering Possible

1918

War Gradually Forcing Countries to Go Back to the Primitive Custom of Barter

Predictions by some economists that the time may come if the war lasts much longer that money would cease to have any value, are gradually coming true, they contend. They point out that shipping deals being made by both belligerents are virtually a return to the old system of bartering goods. As an illustration, the case is cited of the United States dickering with the Japanese for tonnage to transport and maintain the 1,500,000 troops Secretary Baker expects to have in Europe by the end of this year. Ship plates for the Japanese have been held up in this country for several months by withholding export licenses. If the United States can obtain the tonnage the Japanese may get the plates on the basis of about two tons of shipping for one ton of ship plates.

In Germany the idea has been forced to a greater extent. In Erfurt and elsewhere it has long been the practice of doctors, dentists and other professional men to insist on payment in kind.


Sweet Are the Uses of Perversity

Abstractedly, I disapprove of fishing; hunting I think barbarous; "he who wantonly treads on a worm is no friend of mine"; and yet I fish. I do not merely carry rod and reel; I use them. I suppose it is like smoking; that seems to me a feeble-minded habit and yet I smoke. Working, too, seems sometimes as foolish, and yet I work. Some pessimists have convinced themselves that living is a waste of time, and yet, so far as I have observed, they continue to live. Sweet are the uses of perversity. — Robert M. Gay, in the Atlantic.